Published By: Ahvana Paul

Classics Shine on OTT: Why The Durrells is a Must-Watch

Are you looking for something heartwarming, witty and engaging to watch? If you find yourself nodding to the above question, then one of the shows that you can consider watching is The Durrells. Directed by Steve Barron and Roger Goldby, this show is based on the Corfu Trilogy written by Gerald Durrell, titled, My Family and Other Animals, The Garden of the Gods, and Birds, Beasts, and Relatives. The show however has also more plots, than just the ones given in these books, but it never loses the essence of the book which makes it marvellous to watch, and even makes for a reminiscing of these books! The show  and (books) trace the adventures of the Durrell family to Corfu, Greece, after they face immense financial difficulties.

A PERFECT COMBINATION OF SPLITS AND TEARS

If you are in search of a good laughing session, interspersed with heartwarming moments, then The Durrells is the show for you. Each episode is well-scripted and involves an interesting situation, thereby keeping you engaged. They are also full of hilarious incidents, brilliant witty dialogues said by the different characters and sometimes such touching moments, that will make you cry. This show is guaranteed to keep you in splits and tears at the same time.

Each character is portrayed brilliantly

The one thing that keeps The Durrells going, other than the fabulous scripts is the excellent acting. Keeley Hawes as Louisa Durrell, Daisy Waterstone as Margo Durrell, Milo Parker as Gerald Durrell, Callum Wodehouse as Leslie Durrell, Josh O Connor as Lawrence Durrell and Alexis Georgeoulis as Spiro all have given a stunning performance! Each of these actors has imbibed their characters with perfection, and managed to be hilarious, heartwarming and sometimes, hopelessly chaotic, all in one! Not only do they bring out the essence of the characters as they were in the original series, but what is also fascinating is the character development of each as well, which makes you warm up to them and love them even more!

Very Relevant

Another very interesting thing is the references to the environment. Gerry is a boy who does not like being schooled in a typical way but is fascinated with wildlife, bringing to the house various animals, discussing and undertaking measures to protect wildlife around him, along with his companion Theo (played by Yorgos Karamihos). This fascination with ecology is relevant today, owing to the new concerns about environmentalism. However, Gerald Durrell did it so many years ago. This show reminds us of this, and therefore this is a show of our times, as much as it is of his! Other than the ecological dimension, the show also brings in very interestingly some social issues such as about women and the liberties of people. The show therefore is extremely relevant, making it a must-watch!

Family vibes

This show is all about the family vibes. It is very suitable for all ages, and since it is about family itself, is something best enjoyed with your own family! It is fun to sit and laugh about it, thereby making it a good choice for a show to see!

A View of Corfu, Greece

Another aspect which the show nails is the cinematography. There are some fabulous captures of the scenery at large, and the characterization of the local communities is done immensely well, without stereotyping, which adds to the show, making it more interesting to watch!